Light decides to retire, report says

For the first time in 12 years, the Patriots look as if they are going to have to ask someone other than Matt Light to protect Tom Brady’s blind side.

By PAUL KENYON | | Journal Sports Writer

For the first time in 12 years, the Patriots look as if they aregoing to have to ask someone other than Matt Light to protect TomBrady's blind side.

The website Profootballtalk.com reported Wednesday that Light, astarter for all of his 11 years in New England, has decided toretire. The report came only hours after Light took part in acharity event in Boston and dodged questions about whether he wouldreturn.

Light said that his wife knew what he would do, but he would notsay what that was.

"I'm just rocking and rolling," he told The Boston Herald at anevent on State Street, in Boston. "I've been in Ohio, working onsome stuff for the foundation. We have a youth turkey hunt comingup. Other than that, it's been pretty quiet." Light, an avidoutdoorsman, has his own charitable foundation that holds an annualevent at the Addieville East Farm in Burrillville.

His departure means the team will probably move second-yeartackle Nate Solder to left tackle. Sebastian Vollmer, the startingright tackle, could also play there. However, Vollmer has backproblems and his status is questionable.

Marcus Cannon, who was drafted in the fifth round last seasonwhile he was undergoing cancer treatments, also is a possibility tosee regular duty. Cannon returned and played in the final games oflast season.

Light's departure would also make it more likely that the teamwill look to select a tackle in next week's draft. Light, 33, hasbeen talking about possible retirement for some time. The formerPurdue star has three Super Bowl rings with the Patriots. He wasnamed to the Pro Bowl three times and had one of his best seasonslast year. Light was a second-round pick in 2001.

Light was a late signee last season, agreeing to a $12-million,two-year contract. He is on the books for $8 million for thisseason. If he does not play, the Patriots would regain that money,virtually doubling the money they have available to sign theirdraft picks and any remaining free agents.

Light's departure would leave only Brady and Kevin Faulk as theonly remaining players who were part of all three of the team'sSuper Bowl titles.

The Patriots announced Wednesday that rookie mini-camp will beheld May 11-12 and the full team mini-camp June 12-14.